Right now I am still on an Eclipse Kima, which has been incredible in regard to drift, grunt, depower, and turning speed. I love the kite in every way except the mediocre upwindability (which I can live with), and the bar pressure.

Can anybody suggest a kite that behaves similarly to the Kima with less bar pressure? This way I won't have to make adjustments to my riding style.orCan anybody suggest a kite that might be worth adjusting for mostly onshore-ish, shoulder high conditions?

Almost a former Kima rider here. I still have a 6m Kima. Love the kite also! I have been flying the Switch Method (7&9M) for the last two seasons. The Method is the closest I could find that is similar to the Kima. The bar pressure is also pretty close. Some have said here that the bar pressure is too much. I think in the waves you want some so you can feel the kite. Coming from a Kima, I think you would like the Method. It is like a Kima with way better upwind power. Try one if you can...

Had serious elbow problems,naish park can stay out 3 4 hours waveriding, light bar pressure with great feedback,one handed waveriding alows more freedom and better style,naish park 2013 out now so watch out for deals on 2012,great waveriding kite,for on shore cross on.Tony

No experience w the KIMA. However, I have an elbow 'sensitivity' from kiting and now mainly use the Ben Wilson Noise kites in the waves. Bar pressure is low enough that my elbow doesn't swell up like it used to. I have the 8,10,12m. I wouldn't really recommend the 12m as it turns too slow and depowers too slow/ not enough. However, the 8m (and 10m) is really good. Very stable, drifts well, unhooks and drifts perfectly, and hauls ass upwind. I could go on, but you'll just have to try one.

The REO and Noise interest me, but never seen them in action. I am not sure if they sit deep enough in the window for the side on conditions, which is all I get to ride.

I tried a Wainman Boss on a super powered downwinder last week. Less bar pressure, sat deep, and did not race to the edge of the window. Much slower turning, arcing vs. pivoting, and the depower was slower to react. I'd like to try it with a longer bar and maybe other settings? I had it on lightwind/fast.

There is a demo coming up called King of the Great Lakes. The brands represented are Best, Cabrinha, Slingshot, North and Liquid Force. Maybe some guys with other brands and/or used gear will be there.

i came from a 8m Kima then the Renegade now i ride, the 2013 6&10m Ben Wilson Noise, the bar pressure is perfect, when you're riding waves you don't want a kite that doesnt have much bar pressure because, when you're getting worked in the washer machine the bar pressure is all you have to let you know where the kite is